PB Film

EDUCATION CORNER: PAST SSOF WINNERS LEAD THE WAY

In 2020, Miami Dade College students Samuel Romero (Producer/Cinematographer) and Jac Viramuerte (Director) captured the hearts of The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) with their allegorical masterpiece, Speak Only Good of the Dead. After the SSOF awarded their film a 1st place trophy in the College Feature category, it went on to win The Student Production Award from The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as a nomination from The Academy for the Student Academy Awards. Speak Only Good of the Dead was also accepted into notable film festivals such as The Orlando Film Festival, The Fort Lauderdale International Festival and several others. But for Sam and Jac, their filmmaking journey had just begun.

Samuel Romero behind the camera

The young men really wanted to push themselves even further as storytellers with social purpose. Their newest project, which recently filmed pivotal scenes on the distinctive beaches of Coral Cove Park in Jupiter, is titled Now You See Nothing. In the film, a grieving father seeks revenge on the white supremacist who murdered his only son. “Jac and I have worked on a series of projects, but this is one that we felt the need to tell,” said Samuel. “We were inspired by the racial tension that we've seen resurface in the last couple of years.”

 
Filming "Now You See Nothing" at Coral Cove Park in Jupiter

Jac and Sam both agree that they share the mindset of conveying greater messages within the films they make: sharing those perspectives that need to be seen, saying the words that must be heard, and bringing stories with cultural or philosophical relevance to the big screen. Currently, the talented pair of filmmakers are working hard to have a cut Now You See Nothing completed before the final deadline of the SSOF in January of 2021. Until then, to see their 2020 award-winning film, visit youtu.be/KOR1w6M3I8w.